Little Rock School District Packet Summary — 2026-09-10
For its September 10, 2026 meeting, Little Rock School District highlights Discussion on Microschool Model and EDGE Partnership, High-Impact Tutoring Grant for 2026-2027 School Year, and Stewardship of District Resources. Other significant business includes FY2027 Figures Remain Undetermined and Public School, Adult Education and Community Service Categories.
Key Takeaways
- The agenda lists: Finance and Operations 3.1 Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Work Session Background: Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. §6-20-2202, the district’s 2026-2027 (Fiscal Year 2027) Budget must be approved by the Board of Directors and submitted to the Arkansas Department of Education no later than September 30, 2026. Rationale:Administration and the Board will discuss the fiscal year 2027 budget projections. Additional discussions and final review will occur at the regular board meeting on September 24.
- The Little Rock School District (LRSD) has been awarded a High-Impact Tutoring (HIT) grant for the 2026-2027 school year. The grant will provide tutoring support for 3rd graders at risk of retention and middle school math students performing at level 1 on ATLAS. The total grant request is $1,680,000, with specific allocations for 3rd grade literacy and middle school math.
- Little Rock School District is seeking participation in the inaugural Arkansas EDGE cohort to explore and design new school models, including microschools. Participation would not require adoption of a particular model, and the district would retain responsibility for selecting an approach, securing required approvals and deciding whether and how to implement it.
- The board will receive a follow-up concerning the LRSD Forward Plan and a community meeting. The supplied material does not establish additional terms or a proposed action.
- Fiscal Year 2027 budgeted expenditures, including transfers, are listed as “$TBD,” with percentages shown as 0%. The material states that transfers retain their restricted purpose from one fiscal year to the next.
Key Items
- Discussion on Microschool Model and EDGE Partnership
- High-Impact Tutoring Grant for 2026-2027 School Year
- Stewardship of District Resources
- FY2027 Figures Remain Undetermined
- Public School, Adult Education and Community Service Categories
- Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Work Session
- Exploring Microschools Through Arkansas EDGE
- LRSD Forward Plan and Community Meeting Follow-Up
Packet and Meeting Details
Meeting: Agenda Meeting/Board Work Session - Sep 10 2026
Date: 2026-09-10
This summary highlights 8 source-supported agenda items most relevant to residents.
Discussion on Microschool Model and EDGE Partnership
The Little Rock School District (LRSD) is considering a microschool model and a partnership with EDGE to explore innovative learning environments. This discussion aims to determine the feasibility and potential benefits of such a model, including personalized learning, flexible schedules, and specialized programming.
Status: Discussion
High-Impact Tutoring Grant for 2026-2027 School Year
The Little Rock School District (LRSD) has been awarded a High-Impact Tutoring (HIT) grant for the 2026-2027 school year. The grant will provide tutoring support for 3rd graders at risk of retention and middle school math students performing at level 1 on ATLAS. The total grant request is $1,680,000, with specific allocations for 3rd grade literacy and middle school math.
Status: Discussion
Stewardship of District Resources
The material emphasizes managing entrusted district resources wisely, strategically and accountably to support educational opportunities for students. It does not identify a separate action or financial terms.
FY2027 Figures Remain Undetermined
Fiscal Year 2027 budgeted expenditures, including transfers, are listed as “$TBD,” with percentages shown as 0%. The material states that transfers retain their restricted purpose from one fiscal year to the next.
Public School, Adult Education and Community Service Categories
The material lists non-public school, adult or continuing education, community or junior college education, community services and enterprise. It does not establish an associated proposal or financial terms.
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Work Session
The board will discuss Fiscal Year 2027 budget projections before final review and requested approval on September 24, 2026; state submission is due September 30.
Exploring Microschools Through Arkansas EDGE
Little Rock School District is seeking participation in the inaugural Arkansas EDGE cohort to explore and design new school models, including microschools. Participation would not require adoption of a particular model, and the district would retain responsibility for selecting an approach, securing required approvals and deciding whether and how to implement it.
LRSD Forward Plan and Community Meeting Follow-Up
The board will receive a follow-up concerning the LRSD Forward Plan and a community meeting. The supplied material does not establish additional terms or a proposed action.
Why It Matters
- The discussion will inform the Board's decision on whether to pursue a microschool model, potentially affecting student learning experiences and family choices. This occurs because Exploring a microschool model and partnership with EDGE to provide innovative learning environments.
- The grant will support targeted tutoring interventions to improve academic outcomes for at-risk students, potentially affecting their academic progress and future opportunities. This occurs because Providing high-impact tutoring for 3rd graders at risk of retention and middle school math students.
- What is the full financial effect of Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Work Session, and how will it be funded?
- What is the full financial effect of FY2027 Figures Remain Undetermined, and how will it be funded?
What to Watch at the Meeting
- The Board will consider the recommendation and decide whether to pursue a microschool model following appropriate research, community engagement, and planning.
- The Board will vote on the grant proposal following the discussion and pending State grant distribution.
Important Dates, Deadlines, and Next Steps
- 2026-09-10: Agenda Meeting/Board Work Session - Sep 10 2026; the listed recommendations and other agenda matters are scheduled for consideration.
Official Sources
About the Public Body
- Name: Little Rock School District
- Organization type: school-district
- Government body: school-boards
- Location: Little Rock, arkansas
- County: Pulaski
- Provider: diligent-community
Keywords
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